Counter beverage cooling system

ABSTRACT

An above or below surface-mounted beverage cooler and cooling system having at least one beverage holder wrapped in a cooling coil and insulated by a jacket (or any other suitable insulating product) for keeping or cooling a beverage. The cooling coil connects by piping to a condensing unit, which when operated is capable of bringing the insulated beverage holder to a desired temperature. A beverage container, such as a glass, mug, bottle or can, seated within the beverage holder is thereby cooled or at least maintained at a desired temperature. Possible installations range from small systems for home and private use to large systems for public facilities, such as restaurants, bars, banquet halls, etc. The cooling systems can be customized, pre-fabricated, provided as a DIY kit, or designed as a portable stand-alone system with multiple possible configurations.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the filing priority of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/055, 029, titled “In-Counter Beverage Cooling System”and filed on Sep. 25, 2014. The '029 Provisional Application is herebyincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for at least maintainingbeverages at a temperature below ambient. Specifically, the inventionrelates to being able to actually cool, as needed, the temperature of abeverage. More specifically, the invention relates to a beverage coolingsystem which can be mounted into or onto a counter-top.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are currently two basic methods in use for cooling a beverage andmaintaining a chilled temperature for that beverage. That is,refrigeration and ice are known to be the most practical methods, andare used in just about every restaurant, bar and kitchen in the World.The methods are often employed differently—e.g., refrigeration coolsfrom outside the beverage container, while ice is often added to a drinkto cool from within the beverage. However, there are inherent problemswith each of these distinct methods.

As to refrigeration, which typically involves the use of atemperature-controlled, often insulated chamber, such as a refrigerator,provides the benefit of being able to adjust a temperature of theambient environment to achieve a desired temperature of storedbeverages. Additionally, refrigeration is capable of cooling beveragesin bulk and without accessing the liquid beverage itself. However,refrigeration ceases to be effective once a beverage is removed from theinsulated chamber (e.g., refrigerator). Depending on the ambienttemperature of a venue, a chilled drink may warm significantly in lesstime than it takes to drink it.

As to the use of ice in a drink, it has the advantage of being able tokeep a drink cold even when ambient temperatures are excessively warm.Ice can be used almost anywhere, unlike refrigeration. However, it isdifficult to control a beverage temperature with ice and melting ice cansignificantly dilute a drink and affect its taste. As ice is added tomaintain cooling, a drink becomes more and more watered-down. Further,many people don't like to add ice to certain drinks, e.g., wine, beer,and dairy-based beverages like milk and shakes.

Until the invention of the present application, these and other problemsin the prior art went either unnoticed or unsolved by those skilled inthe art. The present invention provides a system and method for coolinga beverage in a controlled manner within a venue and keeping it at achilled temperature, without negatively affecting the drink's flavor andwithout watering-down the drink over time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is disclosed herein a unique beverage cooling system and method.The disclosed embodiments avoid the disadvantages of prior methods,systems and devices used to cool beverages while affording additionalstructural and operating advantages. The embodiments of the coolingsystem may be customized or modular, they may be installed in a new orexisting structure, or they may be constructed as a stand-alone system.

Generally speaking, the cooling system comprises at least one beverageholder mounted to, and preferably extending below a horizontal surface,the holder is wrapped by a cooling coil and insulated by a jacket (orany other suitable insulating means). The cooling coil is connected bypiping back to a condensing unit, which when operated is capable ofbringing the beverage holder to a desired temperature. A beveragecontainer, such as a glass, bottle or can, seated within the beverageholder is thereby cooled or at least maintained at a desiredtemperature.

In an alternate embodiment, the beverage holder is mounted to andextends above the surface. The sidewall of the beverage holder mayinclude a vertical channel to accommodate a handled container, such as amug.

In another embodiment, the system is designed as a pre-fabricated tubhaving a plurality of beverage holders therein. The tub can be placedinto an opening of a surface and connected to a condensing unit foroperation.

In still another embodiment, a DC power source, such as rechargeablebatteries and/or a solar-powered cell may be used to power the system.

These and other aspects of the invention may be understood more readilyfrom the following description and the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject mattersought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings and appendix, embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which,when considered in connection with the following description, thesubject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation,and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the beverage holdercomponent of the present system;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a heat exchanger/refrigeration coilloop component of the present system;

FIG. 3 illustrates the beverage holder of FIG. 1 and the coil loop ofFIG. 2 surrounded by an embodiment of an insulation jacket component ofthe present system;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of a beverage coolingsystem having a plurality (six (6) are shown) of in-line, in-counterbeverage cooling sites;

FIG. 5 is a side view showing two possible beverage holder in-countermounting positions for a customized installation;

FIG. 6 is a side view showing an embodiment of a pre-fabricated systemfor a modular installation;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are top-view illustrations of two embodiments ofoptional stand-alone beverage cooling systems;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of an above-counter mountedbeverage holder; and

FIGS. 9A and 9B are side and top views, respectively, of a “split-side”beverage holder for accommodating mugs and other handled containers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail at least one preferred embodiment of the invention with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as anexemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intendedto limit the broad aspect of the invention to any of the specificembodiments illustrated.

Generally speaking, it is a goal of the invention to put into practicalservice a new system for use in public food and beverage facilities,such as restaurants, bars, shops, as well as private homes. The systemis intended to contain multiple “cold cup” beverage holders capable ofboth maintaining and lowering the temperature of cold beverages. Thesebeverage holders are to be of a self-service design within the reach ofpatrons. They can be “personal” cup holders built into the top of a bar,table, countertop, etc. They should be capable of accommodating singleserving beverages such as cans, bottles, mugs and glasses. The system isintended to provide patrons with a more pleasant beverage consumptionexperience in which iced beverages incur decreased if not minimal icemelt, and non-iced beverages remain at or below a desired servingtemperature throughout the entire beverage consumption.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, there are illustrated components of numerousembodiments of a beverage cooling system, generally referenced by thenumber 10. The particular illustrated beverage cooling system 10 is forinstallation into and substantially below the counter surface of a bar,such as used in a restaurant, tavern or even in a home. In fact, whilemost of the embodiments described are directed to a bar, it should beunderstood that the principles of the invention can be more broadlyapplied to any countertop, as well as other types of horizontal surfacessuch as tables, desks, benches, and the like, as long as sufficientspace is available below the surface. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7,an embodiment for above-surface use may provide additional options forinstallation.

Beginning with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, there are threecomponents for the drink site 12 in a system 10. The drink site 12 isthe area of a bar surface proximate where an individual will bepositioned for consuming beverages. The three components include abeverage holder 14, a cooling coil 16 and an insulation jacket 18.

As shown in FIG. 1, the beverage holder 14 includes a cylindricalsidewall 20 and a flanged rim 22 around the top and a bottom wall 24.The cylindrical sidewall 20 should be sized to accommodate a standard 12oz. can, glass or bottle with as little extra space as possible.Obviously, as such containers can vary widely in circumference; a largerdiameter sidewall 20 would be more accommodating. Likewise, the depth ofthe holder 14 should be such that a standard can, glass or bottle canextend sufficiently above the holder 14 to be grasped by a user.

The rim 22 is used for mounting at a drink site 12 (see FIG. 5) ineither top mounted—flanged rim 22 mounts to top of counter surface—orbottom mounted—flanged rim 22 mounts to underside of countersurface—applications. At least one drain hole 26 is used in the bottomwall 24 of the holder 14 to serve as a means for condensate run off andalso as a drain port for washing. Alternatively, the cylindricalsidewall 20 may be tapered inward (not shown) to a diameter less than astandard container diameter with an open bottom to allow water drainage.

Preferably, the beverage holder 14 is made of aluminum for durability,light-weight, rust and stain-resistance, and to provide good heattransfer at a reasonable cost. Alternatively, stainless steel or copperwith a lacquer coating may be used for some applications. Othermaterials may be used less-effectively, if desired.

An insulation trim ring (not shown) may be used beneath the top flange22 as an option. Preferably the trim ring would be made of ahigh-density polyethylene (HDPE), due to its insulative properties,synthetic non-degradable properties and water resistance. Again, othermaterials may be used, if desired.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a spiral wound wrapped heatexchanger/refrigeration coil loop 16. A few of the preferred features ofthe coil 16 include:

-   -   Standard heat exchanger constructed with standard ⅜ inch o.d.,        round tubing;    -   Solder bead retainer located in multiple (minimum of 2)        locations;    -   Heat exchanger should be top fed (inlet) and bottom exit to help        prevent oil logging;    -   ⅜ inch diameter soft copper ACR equivalent Refrigeration spec.;    -   One continuous circuit;    -   Copper is spiral wound tightly around cup/beverage holder in        manufacturing;    -   Spiral loop locked in place with a bead of soft solder;    -   Thermal contraction during operation aids in securing tighter        contact surface area and enhanced heat transfer;    -   Optional: Enhanced efficiency heat exchanger—constructed with ⅜        inch “flat wound” tubing to be ovalled to increase surface        contact area while maintaining similar flow rate.

Finally, FIG. 3 illustrates the use of an insulation jacket 18 which isused to tightly encapsulate the beverage holder 14 and coil 16 to theunderside of the flanged rim 22, surrounding all components. For thejacket 18, a closed-cell elastomeric foam material may be preferable, asit is easily cut to fit, can be glued at all joints, and may bereinforced, as necessary (e.g., with duct tape). All lines into and outof all assemblies should also be insulated with the same material.Alternatively, injected foam sealants may offer faster assemblyconstruction, enhanced durability, and better “R” value and a reducedcost.

Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment of system 10 can be more readilyunderstood. The system 10 includes a plurality of the drinks sites 12arranged and connected in series. As described above, the drink sites 12are installed into, for example, a bar surface (not shown). Beneath thesurface, piping to and from each of the arranged drink sites 12 leads toa refrigeration condensing unit 30 comprised of a compressor 32,condenser 34 and a receiver 36. As detailed below, additionalcomponents, features and details of the exemplary illustrated system 10include:

-   -   The layout is a conventional “DX” (Direct Expansion)        low-temperature refrigeration system;    -   Compressor 32 is preferably a reciprocating compressor (but any        type will work);    -   Condenser 34 is preferably an air-cooled condenser (but water        cooled will also work);    -   Receiver 36 connects to a liquid line sight glass 37, drier 38,        and a liquid line solenoid 39;    -   A single externally equalized TXV 40 is preferably used to feed        multiple refrigerated beverage holders 14 piped in series.    -   Alternatively, although not depicted, multiple circuits fed by        multiple TXVs may be used on a single system unit;    -   The condensing unit 30 may be placed remote to the surface to        which drink sites 12 are installed (indoor or outdoor) or it may        be local (i.e., self-contained) built into the appliance;    -   A non-critically charged system with a receiver feeding one or        more TXVs offers the greatest reliability. However, this may        also be adapted to a critically charged system with one or more        capillary tubes feeding a different arrangement of evaporators        than depicted in FIG. 4;    -   A liquid line solenoid can be installed before all TXVs and        circuits, and controlled by an on/off switch (not shown). System        10 is intended to run non-stop during business hours and shut        off at night to thaw. The dual pressure control may be set to        cycle the compressor 32 under low load to limit the temperature        range, if desired; and    -   The addition of a suction accumulator (not shown) may add        additional compressor protection.

FIG. 5 illustrates two possible in-counter customized installationtechniques which may be used to install the drink sites 12 into anexisting or new counter. The illustration on the left shows anunder-counter mounting, while the illustration on the right depicts atop-mounted drink site 12. Piping to either drink site mounting issimilar. These installation methods offer limitless configurationoptions, finishes, design layouts, unit placement, and size of system.

For quicker installation, the holder 14, coil 16 and insulation 18assemblies for each drink site 12 would preferably be pre-fabricated.All other piping and mounting (i.e., under- or top-mounting) could befield installed to custom specifications.

FIG. 6 illustrates a modular system 110 which can be pre-built andinstalled in an existing counter surface. System 110 comprises anenclosed tub 50 with a bottom 52 and top surface 54. A plurality ofdrink sites 112 are pre-mounted to the top surface 54 with refrigerantlines 55 extending through a sidewall 53 of the tub 50. These lines 55are connected back to a condensing unit 30, as illustrated in FIG. 4.Though illustrated as a top-mounted product, the modular system 110could be under-mounted or even flush-mounted, using brackets or bycutting a recess in the support surface.

The modular system 110 provides for mass production, decreasesmanufacturing costs, decrease sales price, and simplifies installations.For DIY (“do-it-yourself”) purchasers, the system 110 could be offeredas a modular kit with assembly and installation instructions. Thesemodular kits could be offered in various sizes to fit a multitude ofapplications. Alternatively, the kits could also come pre-assembled andreadily dropped into place where and when applicable. Installation wouldonly require saw cutting a bar top, dropping in the pre-fabricatedsystem 110, and then pipe line set to an engineered (sized) condensingunit. A drain line 126 could be field piped for condensate and cleaningwater run-off.

In another embodiment, a self-contained pre-fabricated system 210 may beconstructed as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The system 210 would becomprised of a structure 60, such as a table or cart, having ahorizontal top surface and a body section below the surface. The topsurface could be designed with a plurality of drink sites 212, with acondensing unit (not shown) stored in the body section. Due to therelatively low-power consumption requirements of the disclosed systems(common 115V 20 amp service is preferable, though all common alternatingvoltage configurations may have suitable applications) there isanticipated to be a great appeal and demand for a pre-fabricated,stand-alone system 210 which can be sold or leased (e.g., for indoor oroutdoor parties, picnics, carnivals, concerts, etc.). The pre-fabricatedsystem 210 may be manufactured and marketed in a variety of shapes,colors and sizes and then finished to customer specifications. Thesystem 210 could include options such as custom logos, umbrellas, L.E.D.lighting, etc. The pre-fabricated system 210 could be designed as astand-alone system offered with fixed legs, or even portable withlocking casters. The system 210 may feature a plug-in cord or be hardwired with its own power source.

The pre-fabricated system 210 could address at least two specificvending needs. First, these systems 210 can provide improved customerseating, occupancy and gathering at events. That is, the stand-alonesystem 210 of FIG. 7A could provide multiple drink sites 212 to offeraccess from all sides for customers to gather around. These systems 210could be offered in a “High-Top” model, for standing around, and a“Low-Top” model, for patrons to sit around. Second, these systems 210can improve beverage service and sales at, for example, a fund-raisingevent. In the embodiment of FIG. 7B, one side would be reserved forstaff to prepare and serve drinks, while the other side would include aline of drink sites 212 and would be reserved for patrons to gatheralong and consume their cold beverages in a typical fashion.

For construction purposes, the pre-fabricated system 210 could beoffered in a limited variety of gathering and vending selection options,then assembled with drink sites 212 using modular pre-fabricatedinserts. The system 210 could then be finished to a customer's specifiedoptions.

As an alternative design, many of the disclosed systems 10, 110 and 210described above can be built using DC battery-power sources, includingrechargeable batteries, and a power inverter to enhance portability.Battery charging may be accomplished using an AC power cord or systemsmay include a solar alternative for charging or as a power source.

As shown in FIG. 8, another embodiment of the above systems 10, 110 and210, includes an above-counter mounted beverage holder 314. Thisembodiment may be preferred for some applications where under-counterspace is limited. The exposed outer surface of the assembly would needto be encased with a non-conductive material (e.g., a rubber or polymerfoam) to insulate against skin contact by a user. Another variation ofthe embodiment is the placement of the flanged rim 322 of the beverageholder 314. As shown, the rim 322 would be moved to the bottom of theholder for mounting purposes. Refrigeration lines would be similar toother embodiments described herein.

The above-counter holder 314 may be designed with an alternate feature,as shown in FIGS. 9A & B, which accommodates mugs. That is, a channel 64in the sidewall of the holder 314 allows the handle of a mug to extendoutward while the beverage containing portion of the mug nests withinthe refrigerated holder 314.

The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanyingdrawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation.While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications maybe made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants'contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended tobe defined in the following claims when viewed in their properperspective based on the prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A beverage cooling system for installation in a horizontal surface, the cooling system comprising: a beverage holder having a sidewall defining a cavity and mounted to the horizontal surface in a manner which provides for placement of a container within the cavity; a cooling coil in a heat exchanging contact with the sidewall of the beverage holder; an insulator enclosing at least a portion of the cooling coil and the beverage holder to form a drink site; and a direct expansion refrigeration condensing unit including piping connected to and from the cooling coil to provide a continuous flow of cooling fluid to the coil.
 2. The cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of drink sites connected to one another in series.
 3. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the beverage holder sidewall comprises a channel to accommodate a handled container.
 4. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the beverage holder comprises a bottom surface and the bottom surface comprises a drain opening to eliminate water from the cavity.
 5. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the beverage holder is mounted above the horizontal surface and extends substantially below the surface.
 6. The cooling system of claim 3, wherein the beverage holder is mounted above the horizontal surface and extends substantially above the surface.
 7. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the beverage holder is mounted below the horizontal surface and extends substantially below the surface.
 8. The cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a DC power source.
 9. The cooling system of claim 8, wherein the DC power source comprises rechargeable batteries.
 10. The cooling system of claim 9, wherein the DC power source comprises solar-power cells.
 11. A beverage cooling system for installation in a horizontal surface, the beverage cooling system comprising: an enclosed tub having sidewalls, a bottom surface and a top surface defining a cavity, the top surface having at least one opening therein; a beverage holder having a sidewall defining a cavity and mounted to the top surface of the tub in a manner which provides for placement of a container within the cavity; a cooling coil in a heat exchanging contact with the sidewall of the beverage holder; an insulator enclosing at least a portion of the cooling coil and the beverage holder to form a drink site; and a direct expansion refrigeration condensing unit including piping connected to and from the cooling coil to provide a continuous flow of cooling fluid to the coil; wherein the enclosed tub is configured to be set into an opening in a horizontal surface and connected to the refrigeration condensing unit.
 12. The beverage cooling system of claim 11, wherein the enclosed tub includes a drain opening on the bottom surface.
 13. The beverage cooling system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of drink sites connected to one another in series.
 14. The beverage cooling system of claim 11, wherein the beverage holder sidewall comprises a channel to accommodate a handled container.
 15. The beverage cooling system of claim 11, further comprising a DC power source.
 16. A self-contained beverage cooling system comprising: a structure having a horizontal top surface and a body section; a plurality of drink sites, each site comprising: a beverage holder having a sidewall defining a cavity and mounted to the top surface of the structure in a manner which provides for placement of a container within the cavity; a cooling coil in a heat exchanging contact with the sidewall of the beverage holder; an insulator enclosing at least a portion of the cooling coil and the beverage holder; a direct expansion refrigeration condensing unit positioned within the body section of the structure, wherein the drink sites are connected serially to one another and the condensing unit includes piping connected to and from a first and last cooling coil to provide a continuous flow of cooling fluid to the coils; and a power source electrically coupled to the condensing unit.
 17. The self-contained beverage cooling system of claim 16, wherein each drink site comprises a drain opening to remove water from the cavity.
 18. The self-contained beverage cooling system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the beverage holder sidewalls comprises a channel to accommodate a handled container.
 19. The self-contained beverage cooling system of claim 16, wherein the power source comprises a DC power source. 